Mascot Costume Guide and FAQs
Our custom mascot costumes are made from a combination of fabric and foam, with other components (eyes, tongues, buttons) made from vac-formed plastics. We use specialty foam products that range from rigid to very flexible, depending on the application. Our foams are breathable, lightweight, do not trap moisture and therefore discourage the growth of mold and bacteria.
The most common types of foam used are: EVA, Etha, Esther and Reticulated.
The most common fabrics are: faux fur/fleece, antron (muppet) fleece, Bur-fab (Veltex) and poly/cotton twills. Other specialty fabrics are used, depending on the mascot design.
We NEVER use upholstery foam, fiberglass or any compressed paper product in our mascots. These are inferior materials that are either too flimsy, too heavy, too toxic or prone to trapping moisture and bacteria.
Whenever possible, we ship using standard (ground) service and can take advantage of discounted rates with our preferred carriers. Depending on your location and size of mascot, average costs can range from $50 up to $300. Expedited shipments can cost significantly more and are priced out accordingly. Clients can also arrange shipping with their preferred provider. For cross-border shipments, brokerage/customs fees, duties or taxes, if any, are the responsibility of the receiver.
We can work with a pre-designed character you provide or we can design your mascot with you to ensure that it reflects your vision and meets your specific requirements. If we design a character for you, all intellectual property rights, including copyright and design rights in the sketches, drawings and designs created by Hogtown Mascots Inc. in the course of performing these services, are exclusively owned by Hogtown Mascots Inc. We can provide more detailed information on i.p. ownership transfers and licensing upon request.
Our client login feature gives you the ability to stay connected to the designing and building process of your mascot. Whether you are around the corner or around the globe, you can approve construction at every stage with the click of a mouse, through regular photo and video updates. This interactive service ensures that we will not ship out any mascot costume until we have final approval from you.
In the unlikely event that concerns arise after you receive your mascot, we will work closely with you to resolve any issues in a timely manner regardless of warranty status. However please note that we do not offer refunds on the sale of mascot costumes.
Typically, custom mascots take 10–12 weeks to make, but if you need one sooner, we may be able to rush your order. It depends on the complexity of the design and our current schedule. Rush orders do come with extra costs, and some intricate designs might not qualify for expedited production. If you’re on a tight deadline, reach out to Hogtown Mascots, a trusted mascot supplier, as soon as possible so we can explore your options.
The mascots that appear in our gallery or any of our social sites have been custom made for specific clients and are not available for sale, however many of the designs are proprietary to Hogtown Mascots which means we can replicate them for you. Contact us to find out which may be available for purchase. We also have a stock of rental costumes available. Contact us for more information.
Good Ventilation
Mascot costumes can get hot fast, so airflow is essential. Our designs include built-in, removable fans in the head to keep air circulating, while other areas of the costume can be vented whenever possible to prevent overheating. As one of the trusted mascot costume manufacturers, we ensure that our custom mascots are built for maximum comfort.
Lightweight Materials
A heavy mascot costume can be exhausting to wear, especially for long periods. Using lightweight foams and breathable fabrics helps reduce fatigue so the performer can stay active and comfortable. For instance, vinyl or rubberized fabrics trap hot air and are not recommended. Our mascot makers use industry-leading materials for comfort and durability.
Secure Head Support
The mascot’s costume head should be stable but not restrictive. Helmets with adjustable padding, and chin straps help keep it in place, preventing it from shifting or becoming uncomfortable during movement. Our mascot costume maker team carefully designs headgear that offers both security and flexibility.
Even Weight Distribution
Carrying all the weight on one part of the body can cause strain. Padded shoulder harnesses and properly-positioned helmets and supports help spread out the weight, making it easier to move naturally. This is an important feature in professional mascot costumes used for extended periods.
Comfortable Footwear
Mascot costumes should be easy to walk in and provide good grip. Non-slip soles help prevent accidents, and snug-fitting booties ensure comfort and control. Hogtown Mascots offers customizable footwear options to fit different surfaces and performance needs.
Cooling Options for Hot Environments
If the mascot costume will be worn in warm weather or for extended performances, cooling vests with gel packs can make a huge difference. These extras help regulate body temperature and keep the performer from overheating. As leading mascot manufacturers, we provide cooling solutions to keep performers comfortable in any environment.
We use custom-fitted, padded helmets inside our mascot heads. Helmet placement allows for comfort, best vision and even weight distribution. Removable padding is standard in all helmets and chin straps are sometimes incorporated for added control, when mascots are required to be particularly active or acrobatic.
For uni-body (one-piece) mascots, the weight of the costume is supported on the performer’s shoulders through the use of a custom-fitted harness, also with removable padding to keep it clean.
As a rule, we do not secure the head to the body by use of straps, clips or any fastener that will prevent the person inside from removing it quickly if necessary. Good mascot design will always consider the performer’s comfort and safety first and foremost. In addition, characterization inside the mascot costume is much more effectively achieved when the performer can make independent head movements and gestures.
The inner body is an important component since this is what gives your mascot its structure and shape. Whether it’s a big tummy for a bear or a muscle suit for a superhero, the inner body is what sets a professional mascot apart from mass-produced or less expensive costumes. Wire and any other material that will not retain its original shape when squeezed should never be used in a costume. These could also pose a serious hazard if a performer should fall while in costume.
Hogtown Mascots uses special breathable foam, sandwiched between two layers of sporting mesh to allow heat and moisture to escape easily. This also allows you to wash the inner body and jumpsuit in a washing machine.
The shape of the inner body is sometimes maintained using flexible tubing attached to the structure. The inner body can be hugged repeatedly and will always return to its original shape. Unlike a suit that is stuffed like a pillow, this structure is lightweight and also keeps a cavity around the performer’s body to allow for maximum airflow inside the mascot.
An inner body also allows you to wash the inside regularly without needing to clean the outside of the mascot all the time. This will keep your mascot looking newer for a longer period of time.
Our mascots are custom made to order for each client and even with the strictest quality standards in place, sometimes repairs are unavoidable. It’s important to know that your mascot supplier has a system in place to provide post-sales support.
At Hogtown Mascots we offer a 1-year warranty from the date of delivery against any manufacturing defects, excluding normal wear and tear. We also provide on-going support in the way of cleaning, repairs & maintenance, storage and refurbishing. If concerns do arise after you receive your mascot, we will work with you to resolve issues, however please note that there are no refunds on finished custom mascots.
A carrying bag is usually included with your quote; however you may not need one if:
1) you are replacing an old mascot and you may already have a bag.
2) your mascot may never need to travel and therefore you simply don’t need a bag. We recommend always storing your mascot in a well-ventilated area after use, until the costume is completely dry. A mascot bag should be used to get your mascot from point A to point B. Storing your damp mascot in a bag for any extended period of time in not advisable, as this can trap moisture, promoting the growth of bacteria and mold.
3) your mascot is particularly fragile, has a unique shape or is required to travel often. In that case we recommend the addition of a custom sized box or hard-shell case, priced as required.
Complexity of the Design
The more detailed and intricate the custom mascot costume, the higher the cost. Simple mascots with minimal detailing are more affordable, while complex designs with unique shapes, facial expressions, or intricate patterns require more time and craftsmanship, increasing the price. Our team at Hogtown Mascots, a top mascot costume maker, can help balance design and budget to fit your needs.
Size of the Mascot
Larger mascot costumes require more materials and are more expensive to ship. A compact mascot with a simple body shape will generally cost less than an oversized, elaborate design with extra padding or extensions. Our mascot costume manufacturers create custom mascots tailored to fit various size requirements.
Choice of Materials
The type of fabric and construction materials used significantly impact cost. Basic mascots costumes use standard faux fur, fleece, and foam. In contrast, premium custom mascots may feature higher-end specialty materials such as custom-printed fabrics. A reliable mascot supplier will ensure that the materials are durable and comfortable.
Special Features & Add-ons
Custom-made mascots can be upgraded with extra features such as branded clothing, cooling systems, props & accessories, LED lighting, and more. These features enhance the experience but also add to the overall price due to additional components and labour. At Hogtown Mascots, we offer a range of add-ons to enhance your professional mascot costume.
Budget-Friendly Customization Options
If you’re working with a budget, there are ways to adjust the design without sacrificing quality. Simplifying certain elements, choosing cost-effective materials, or opting for a basic version of the mascot costume with fewer add-ons can help you stay within your price range. We’re happy to work with you to find the best solution that meets both your vision and budget.
Think About Your Brand’s Identity
Your mascot should match your brand’s personality, values, and message. For businesses, that means making sure it aligns with your logo, colours, and overall look. A well-designed custom mascot costume strengthens brand recognition and makes a lasting impression. For schools and sports teams, it should reflect school spirit and excitement, creating a strong visual icon that fans can rally behind. At Hogtown Mascots, we specialize in creating custom mascots that bring your vision to life.
Know Your Audience
Who will be interacting with your mascot costume the most? If you need a school mascot for kids, a fun, friendly design with exaggerated features works best. If it’s for business, a sleek corporate mascot with a professional look might be more effective. Sports teams need sports mascots that are bold and energetic to hype up crowds. The right design connects with your audience and keeps them engaged. That’s why working with an experienced mascot maker is essential in developing a character that fits your needs.
Decide How You’ll Use It
Will your custom mascot be appearing at events, trade shows, or games? Will it need to move a lot, dance, or interact with people up close? A mascot costume that needs to be highly active should be designed with mobility in mind, while one used mainly for photo ops can have more elaborate details. Knowing how it’ll be used helps create a design that works for every situation. Hogtown Mascots, one of the leading mascot manufacturers, ensures that every custom mascot design is built for its intended purpose.
Keeping your custom mascot costume clean is key to making it last and keeping it fresh. Most mascot costumes have removable inner padding and jumpsuits that can be tossed in the washing machine. The head and feet, however, need a little extra care—wiping with a damp cloth or spot cleaning with mild detergents works best. If you want a deeper clean, we offer mascot costume services, including full deep-cleaning and deodorizing to keep your custom mascots in Canada looking and smelling great. Our cleaning service can also include minor repairs caused by wear and tear.
Accidents happen, and we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s a torn seam, a missing prop, or general wear and tear, we offer mascot costume repair services to get your custom mascot back in top shape. We also provide maintenance kits for quick, on-the-go fixes in case of small mishaps during an event. If you need a more extensive repair, just let us know, and we’ll take care of it.
Absolutely! A custom mascot costume is only as effective as the performer wearing it. That’s why we offer mascot training to help bring your mascot costume to life. Our sessions cover movement techniques, safety tips, and best practices for audience engagement. Whether your mascot costume needs to interact with kids, perform energetic gestures, or take part in high-energy activities, we provide hands-on training to ensure every performance is fun, safe, and engaging. Let Hogtown Mascots, a trusted mascot supplier, help you create unforgettable mascot moments!